Sam | Integrative Therapist, Relationship & Psychosexual Therapist

Introduction

Hi I’m Sam. I'm passionate about assisting clients to deepen their understanding of themselves, the people close to them or situations impacting upon their lives. I can work with individuals, couples or other partnerships/groups. Therapy can build emotional and physical intimacy; improve communication; or help navigate all forms of relationship difficulty. I’ve always been drawn to helping people make sense of what feels difficult or keeps them stuck. I’ve worked as a Therapist for over 18 years. 

I work with a wide range of challenges with either individuals, couples or groups, but I have provided a summary of some of the main reasons I have worked with clients over the years below. 

Individual Work - low self-esteem or low self-confidence; anxiety; life transitions such as redundancy or empty nests; partner or friendships ending; stress; people pleasing; family issues; conflict and communication.   

Couple/Group Work -
My work with clients usually begins with resolving communication and conflict difficulties so each of you feel understood. This helps to rebuild your relationship and provide a firmer foundation to address the bigger picture of what has become a problem. Trust may have been damaged by years of feeling unheard, or perhaps due to betrayal as a result of an affair. Common feelings of anger, sadness, shame or guilt can often hinder progress, making it difficult to determine next steps without help. Unresolved emotions can explain why recurring conflicts occur no matter how much you try to work things out.

Other examples of my work with you could look at relationship anxiety and living with a distant partner or feeling suffocated by them; life direction; couple dynamics or sexual problems. 


Session Details –

Each session lasts for one hour, with flexibility to accommodate short-term (3-6 sessions) or long-term ongoing therapy depending on your needs. In the first session I complete an assessment that identifies the problem and clarifies your goals. This helps when I review progress with you in subsequent sessions to keep the therapy on track. I work in person face to face (Nottingham Location) or online/phone providing access and convenience for clients to incorporate into their existing commitments. I currently have some evening and Saturday morning capacity, alongside my weekday availability.

I practice as an Integrative Therapist which means I use a variety of skills to help clients explore their issues. This may include Solution Focused Brief Therapy; Psychodynamic Therapy (looking at client history and attachments); Systemic Therapy (understanding our relationship interactions with others like a partner or family); and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. My offer balances exploration of what may be bothering you to enhance your insight, and if you wish directional stepping stones to help you change what has been identified.


Methods & Experience –
My work as a therapist is characterised by gentle challenge and collaboration. I draw upon over 18 years of experience as a Relationship Therapist, beginning at Relate, and more than 22 years as a registered Social Worker supporting families with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. My approach combines several therapeutic models (see above) including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, particularly for addressing sexual issues. For many psychosexual challenges like erectile dysfunction, a clear plan that offers practical, actionable steps would be customised for each of my clients. Therapy goals are regularly reviewed with you to monitor progress, and I also enjoy sharing practical tools to encourage clients if they wish, to expand thinking beyond sessions.

I have successfully supported couples who initially felt hopeless, helping them achieve more fulfilling relationships and rediscover sexual pleasure. Additionally, I have considerable experience working with clients in demanding professions, such as the emergency services (Police, GPs, Fire Service, Paramedics), and am attuned to the particular stresses these individuals encounter.

As a Psychosexual Therapist and Relationship Therapist my aim is to facilitate a protected space in sessions that encourages clients to build deeper connections, emotional and physical intimacy, improve communication, and that addresses complex relational and sexual challenges. This is offered through a tailored, empathetic and integrative therapeutic approach.

Free Introductory Call:

I offer a free 20­ minute discovery telephone call. For availability please contact me to arrange a no obligation chat if you would like to know how the therapy I offer can help you too.